Glasses
Watching the eclipse properly is critical. We’re here to help. Glasses are available for the University community, so you can safely take in all three minutes of totality.
Why proper glasses are important
Total solar eclipses are rare astral delights that beg to be gazed upon. But don’t let the moon’s coverage fool you into thinking it’s safe to do without proper eye protection. It’s not. People who have done this in the past helped coin the condition “eclipse retinopathy,” the medical term for a retinal sunburn, which can cause permanent damage to vision, including blindness.
Do not attempt to view the eclipse with anything that does not comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. (Looking at you, regular sunglasses.)
Get your eclipse glasses
We’re providing eclipse glasses so the entire University community can safely enjoy the eclipse in style. Learn how and where to get your pair below.
River Campus
Beginning March 25, you can pick up as many as two pairs with a University ID from the following locations:
- Any River Campus Library Q&i desk
- Event and Classroom Management help desk; Hoyt G15 Office
- Campus Information Center in Wilson Commons
And on the day of the eclipse, glasses will be available on the Eastman, Wilson, and Hajim Quads.
Medical Center
Each department will begin distributing glasses around March 18.
Eastman School of Music
Beginning March 25, glasses will be distributed at the welcome center in Lowry Hall and at the Student Living Center.
Recycle your glasses after the eclipse
If you’re not interested in keeping your eclipse glasses as a memento, you can reduce waste by recycling the arms (the parts that sit on your ears). Unfortunately, the lenses aren’t recyclable, and must be thrown out.
The Eastman, Wilson, and Hajim Quads on the River Campus will have recycling and waste bins for your convenience.